Murder case: Broadcast set for Morgan Harrington program

The Morgan Harrington case will be featured on the April 18 episode of "Disappeared," a program that airs on the Investigation Discovery channel.

File photo/Courtesy Harrington family

Investigators have been quiet on the Morgan Harrington case since January, when police led media on a tour of key sites including the John Paul Jones Arena, where the 20-year-old Virginia Tech student vanished during a year-and-a-half-ago Metallica concert. On Monday, April 18, however, the case roars back into a national spotlight as the Investigation Discovery channel debuts an hour-long installment of a popular mystery program.

The Hook was offered a pre-release view of this episode of the Disappeared series. Entitled "Heavy Metal Mystery," it features extensive interviews with parents Dan and Gil Harrington, Virginia State Police investigators Joe Rader and Dino Cappuzzo, newspaper deliverywoman and possible witness Norma Parson, (as well as a brief interview with this reporter.)

In a somber tone, a narrator offers grim facts with some scenes reenacted by actors. Dark lighting lends an ominous mood to the program, which focuses not only on the investigation, but on the terror and devastation the Harringtons have faced as they live through every parent's worst nightmare.

In one particularly chilling scene, a black-clad lookalike stands silhouetted on the Copeley Road bridge with her thumb out. The blonde education major's increasingly erratic behavior is suggested in other scenes.

As extensively reported in the Hook, Morgan was last seen wearing a black t-shirt bearing the band name Pantera and hitchhiking on the bridge sometime just before 9:30pm on October 17, 2009. There would be no sign of her until her skeletal remains were discovered on a remote Albemarle County farm more than three months later.

The most recent public development is the launch of a familial DNA search, which might determine whether the man whose DNA Morgan was found on the Pantera t-shirt and who brutally raped a woman in Fairfax in 2005, has any immediate family members with DNA is in the state's databank. Such searches were green-lighted in March, and the Harrington family and investigators hope a "hit" will provide a much needed lead.

The Disappeared show hopes to do the same by walking viewers through the facts, perhaps triggering witness memories or prompting new tips from those who have not yet come forward.

In Charlottesville, the Disappeared episode will air at 9pm on April 18 on Investigation Discovery. (Comcast: channel 111, DirecTV: channel 285, Dish Network: channel 192)

Information regarding the Morgan Harrington case should be called in to the Virginia State Police tip line: 434-352-3467.

56 comments

If the perp is even still in this country, he's a fool. Yet, given his skill at eluding the po-lice, it appears that he is anything but a fool.

DC Dame April 14th, 2011 | 12:58pm

Are we to assume that if Norma Parson, who delivered newspapers on UVA grounds, is interviewed in this production that it is an indication her sighting of Morgan is still within the realm of possibility?
One question...Was the DNA evidence that matched the Fairfax case found on the Pantera Shirt OR at the location of Morgan's body? Or both? Thank you.

Peanut April 14th, 2011 | 12:58pm

Let's hope this brings new information leading to an arrest. Justice for Morgan.

Frank Speaker April 14th, 2011 | 1:42pm

I can think of a lot of people who should be interviewed before the newspaper lady . The police line has been that she was last seen @ the bridge thus ruling out Parsons . How about someone who talked to her or saw her outside the concert . Maybe the person who she kicked,someone from the basketball scene, grannie , or the man dropping his daughter off after having dinner .

cornholio April 14th, 2011 | 1:48pm

This case is never going to be solved, is it?

DC Dame April 14th, 2011 | 1:54pm

Yes, Frank Speaker: That has been the police time line....so why is she interviewed? Perhaps this is old footage shot from the onset of the investigation. It seems curious.

Cheryl Tweedy April 14th, 2011 | 1:55pm

I predict this article will generate 248 comments.

Frank Speaker April 14th, 2011 | 2:05pm

Maybe they are using Parson and this fishing trip to lull the killer into thinking they don't know who he is . Meanwhile an elaborate sting is being played out having this guy think he is being admitted into organized crime as they get him to detail his crimes of the past .

cookieJar April 14th, 2011 | 2:35pm

Cheryl, I predict comments will be closed by tomorrow with all posted by then removed.

Purrdazy April 14th, 2011 | 3:29pm

Cheryl I'm gonna go lower and say 179 then conclude with Cookie that the comments section will be closed by tomorrow after several post are removed.

On another note.. I'm looking forward to watching this. It makes sense to me that they would interview Parsons, but I've always believed she really did see Morgan that morning.

Sherry April 14th, 2011 | 6:12pm

In all of the episodes I have watched of this show they talk to the friends of the missing person. I have a feeling they will be noticeably absent from this Morgan story.

You Have No Clue April 14th, 2011 | 7:22pm

I don't think posts should be removed as long as the discussion doesn't become slanderous.

Yes April 15th, 2011 | 12:06pm

I assume that Parson was interviewed because this is a mildly sensationalistic show that needs suspense and intrigue.

Cat April 15th, 2011 | 12:27pm

As it appears that Courtney was in the show and has already seen it, I would assume it is simply a reenactment of the verified facts in this case, at least I hope that they will be accurate. No new information will be embedded in the show I presume.

Verified facts, however, don't include Ms. Pason's, as VSP stated specifically that her perceived sighting was discounted. Why drudge up her story again? Also, there are also many news outlets describing the show specifically stating that she saw Morgan that evening, which is not accurate at all. She THINKS she saw Morgan. More poor reporting, makes me sick!!!

Frank Speaker - Your above post made me laugh.... :)

AICBond April 15th, 2011 | 5:05pm

If the last time anyone saw Morgan was at 9;30 pm, I do not see how anyone can state that she was wearing the Pantera T shirt. One would need to have really good eyes to see in the DARK! OR, he would have to have seen her up close, and for long enough to note what she was wearing with great detail. Whoever states that she was wearing a Pantera Tshirt with such certainty needs to be checked out IMO.

AICBond April 15th, 2011 | 5:08pm

Ms Stewart deletes comments for no reason other that people do not give her enough praise I guess. Last time I commented it was deleted and all I did was call Jme to come back on and speak to us, since she had started a discussion.

AICBond April 15th, 2011 | 5:27pm

As a supposed journalist Ms. Stewarts comments are difficult to follow, and I also wish she would toughen up just a tad. She is the biggest baby I have ever seen. If you do not talk about everything she writes, and wish to ad an idea or two of your own she gets in a snit and deletes all the comments! Grow up Courtney!

Jack M April 15th, 2011 | 6:08pm

Comments (rightfully) closed in 3-2-1 . . .

Yes April 16th, 2011 | 4:24pm

Geez, all of the FindMorgan's crazies are coming out. "Courteney Stewart (sic) only deletes my nonsensical and libelous comments because she can't take my criticism!"

Scooby Doo April 16th, 2011 | 9:40pm

Hey if you don't like the way Ms Stuart takes care of her comment section just don't read the articles. It's not like anyone is begging you to read them or post for that matter.

Scooby Doo April 16th, 2011 | 9:41pm

And by the way, another great article.

AICBond April 16th, 2011 | 11:46pm

Scooby. In case you have not noticed, no one is bothering to comment much or get a discussion going. Why do you think that is? Obviously, it is no use trying to discuss anything written by Ms stewart because one knows the comments will just disappear
in a day or so right in the middle of a conversation. Most are also not bothering to read her articles anymore, just as you suggest.

Re:the article April 17th, 2011 | 8:01am

Thanks for the article with the heads up about the show. I think the comments will stay as long as they are on topic and don't get around to personally bashing anyone. People are afraid to post for fear of inciting the "usual" from the ones who do "the usual" after the Morgan articles. I will be watching the "Disappeared" show and am especially intrigued with the "Norma" aspect. UVA must be very concerned if she indeed see Morgan on the West Range.

Celia April 17th, 2011 | 2:02pm

I would like an answer to DC Dame's question; Fairfax attacker's dna on shirt or on body? I had always thought it had been found with the remains at Anchorage.

Scooby Doo April 17th, 2011 | 9:11pm

I would think if the conversations were actually about the article they would not have to be deleted. The comments always start about the article but then they get sidetracked with crazy off the wall things. I would hate to be the moderator of these articles. Seems to bring out the "crazies" from all over the USA and other countries as well. Could never understand that to be honest. Heck I don't know anything about crimes in other parts of the states much less other countries.

AICBond April 18th, 2011 | 8:16am

Scooby
People from other countries are educated. Perhaps that is why they are interested in what is happening all over the world, not just their own little part of it. If that is "crazy" to you, then you should spend some time learning about other States and about the rest of the world. I do not see how that could hurt you at all.

AICBond April 18th, 2011 | 8:55am

Oh, and Scooby, another thought. If LE in Virginia had solved Morgan's murder like they should have long ago, then we would not be talking about it now , would we? I think you need the RCMP down there to slove it for you.
Your comments lead me to believe that you have not progressed very far from the arrogance that let you to start and lose the Civil War.

Scooby Doo April 18th, 2011 | 9:47am

Lost the Civil War??? Lol now that's an intelligent response. I see where this is headed so I will be the better person and quit responding. Like I said earlier if you don't like how Ms. Stuart edits get comments quit reading the articles or post your comments on topix.

AICBond April 18th, 2011 | 11:47am

Scooby.....LOL...YES. Thought it an appropriate response for thee.

J.me April 18th, 2011 | 9:04pm

Dear Lord, Let this show generate some tips. Amen

Cheryl Tweedy April 19th, 2011 | 10:29am

I watched the show last night...sensationalize much?

william April 19th, 2011 | 12:15pm

I followed this from day one, i just don't understand how, this person pick this far out of the way place to leave the body, (he did not want her to be found) and yet leaves or brings back the purse & cell, & then theirs the T shirt, found days later, it makes me think that maybe he had her or kept her for a couple of days, I find it hard to believed, there was any DNA left on the body that could have survived the weather elements, unless skin under the nails or hair.

Bilfar April 22nd, 2011 | 1:38am

There is a very good possibility that Morgan's killer is career military. That the FBI/Virginia State Police should request the names of all career, Special Forces black males who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan between 11 September 2001 and 24 September 2005.

Kay April 25th, 2011 | 8:16am

@William,
Maybe he grabbed her and she dropped her purse and cell and later brought the shirt back to throw the police off? I wonder how he knew where he was going when he picked that particular spot on that particular farm. Did he work there before or visit often?

Catherine April 25th, 2011 | 11:05am

I found it interesting that it was mentioned during the 'Disappeared' program that Morgan had been living away from home, albeit with a roommate, since the age of 17.
I am wondering if perhaps an unfortunate choice she may have made the night that she disappeared could be a parital reason for her leaving home so young? Morgan clearly was behaving in a very odd manner and be very easily taken advantage of. Parents don't always see their children as they really are, with bad habits and faults. Yes, Morgan may have been acting out of character from the person that her parents knew and loved, but her behavior that last night may well have been very much a part of Morgans' life and a contributed to her death.
I have looked at her familys' tribute page to Morgan and I must say the world lost a bright, shining star the night that her life was stolen away.

cat April 25th, 2011 | 12:01pm

Morgan went to college at the normal time. She chose a college near Roanoke but there was nothing unusual about her leaving home for her freshman year.

Yeah I would say there were some unfortunate choices made that night but they didnt have to be life ending. Someone made the decision to kill her. If a college or university town has had a history of suppressing crimes against women, a woman may not know how dangerous her actions can be. Hopefully now anyone who chooses to attend UVA will know about how the U treats its female students or the woman who attend its events.

duannah April 25th, 2011 | 1:05pm

I was 17 also when I went away to college; I was on my own since age 17 as well. I don't see anything unusual with that. Whether Morgan's parents were unaware of her behavior away from home, her friends and roommate would have certainly been aware of it. Personally, I think it was a normal part of college life to have times when you are close to the edge, although some of us were lucky enough to be in a safe environment when it happened. I really don't have enough information to know whether this happened often, and at this point, don't think passing judgment on her actions will help. The Harringtons have lost their daughter; I hope other parents do not have to face this tragic loss before the murderer is apprehended.

suz April 26th, 2011 | 6:18am

s jones, what did you make of the Investigation Discovery episode? I know you've pressed for a reenactment for some time.

suz April 26th, 2011 | 6:38am

s jones, no worries -- I see you are a man on a mission! Share your thoughts on the show whenever you're ready.

suz April 26th, 2011 | 6:47am

I thought you'd be disappointed that they really didn't really focus on the train tracks.

suz April 26th, 2011 | 6:54am

s jones: why do you think they are hung up on that timeline if they have intel that she was still alive the next day? Is it because that person who knows this has not and will not come forward? Because s/he is afraid of being accused of murder, when this person knows that her death was not murder?

suz April 26th, 2011 | 7:18am

S jones, but if you have told the fbi and rader, why are they still stumped?

suz April 26th, 2011 | 7:21am

Oh, the t shirt. Huh. How did they get it?

suz April 26th, 2011 | 7:28am

Morgan is joyriding on a hi-railer harvesting pot under the dark of the moon, traveling to Sheetz in Orange, etc., and by all accounts having a good time when they last see her. Then she loses her shirt and then her life. Seems like a crucial scene is missing. Where did these innocent folks part company with her, and was she alive?

suz April 26th, 2011 | 7:33am

S jones, you are stumped, too? So you know who had the shirt, but don't know how the poor girl died? Or are you assuming OD due to whatever she was allegedly up to in the (50) hours since she left jpja? As you have noted, homicide is not murder.

Mother Earth April 26th, 2011 | 8:49am

I'm glad to see some positive comments about VSP and our local LE. These men and women want this case solved more than just about everyone but the Harringtons. I know that Morgan was an angel in her parent's eyes, but I'm afraid that in the attempt to keep her reputation pristine so that no one loses interest, our town of Charlottesville, the University, and all locals, have been painted in a bad light and dragged through the mud. This may be why so many have stopped paying attention or stopped posting...we're tired of being blamed, though we were the first out there searching, the first to put everything on hold to help the this grieving family. The care and concern is still here, yet we're the ones sitting under the black cloud. I feel that if anyone in town knew who this killer was, he'd have been turned in long ago. Or at least there would have been rumors, more talk, and an eventual arrest. The whole thing seemed so random. Morgan came in from out of town for this concert, like hundreds of others, to see Metallica, and chances are good that her killer no longer lives here, or never lived here, but somehow knew about that land on Red Hill Road. What's unfortunate and scary is that there are dozens of women in this country who go missing every week. Yes Morgan's killer is still out there, but he's not the only one, and he could be miles away. I still feel safer here in Albemarle County than I do in many other places I've lived or visited. It's mostly the out-of-town bloggers who are full of blame and fear, and who come up with all the wild conspiracy theories.

SJones, I'm curious if you've talked to Morgan's friends. This was also the worst night of their young lives, they just didn't realize it at the time. Everyone, including our poor Morgan, made mistakes that day and night. I know they were hoping she had just gone off on her own and spent the night out, as apparently had happened many times in the past. This is what young, fearless people do, they should not lose their lives for it.

Bilfar April 29th, 2011 | 4:36am

The most memorable places I remember visiting are those areas I camped at as a Boy Scout. This could easily be the case for Morgans murderer. What Boy Scout troops have camped on or near the Albemarle County Farm in the distant past? Wouldn't they have needed permission to camp there?

Lori May 1st, 2011 | 5:44pm

I wonder if law enforcement has checked the 2005 rape evidence and logs to be sure it's still all there. Maybe the evidence was planted like the shirt? Just wondering.

Just saying May 2nd, 2011 | 1:57pm

About that lady delivering newspapers -- she said that the girl was tall. Now, Morgan wasn't naturally tall, so unless her boots really had some heels on them, then I'd have to wonder if the woman she saw was in fact Morgan Harrington. Of course, the boots may have had very high heels, and they may have been standing on different levels of ground without the delivery person noticing that, but I'm just questioning that detail.

Glenda May 3rd, 2011 | 1:33pm

Lori,
That's a very good question, a very very good question.
Courtney is there any possible way that you can pose that question to the police?

The above link shows a picture of the boots, as identified by Gil Harrington. The boots look like they have nearly three inch heels. Morgan was 5'6" tall. With those boots Morgan looked tall.

Question Mark May 5th, 2011 | 8:00pm

I'm wondering if the lady delivering newspapers is reading this board, and if so, would she be willing to describe what the men with Morgan looked like? I just have my theory on who they may have been, and was wondering if they fit that description. Specifically, did two of them have their heads shaved bald, and one had black hair that was kind of curled?

Frank Speaker May 24th, 2011 | 8:39am

Bilfar above opines that perhaps a career military person did this . I also have an opinion of the career the person may be involved in . How about a worker in a professional Lawn company that looks after properties while residents are there or away for extended periods . The resident of Blandamer was in Florida for the colder season and the maintenance crew for that property would have known that . Very convienent to go across that property and place MH on the nearest neighbour property ,Anchorage . She could have been actually murdered in Lannigan Field and remouved as this person did not want her found there due to connections to that location . Could have been involved with a grass cutting contract there and or a hanger on at the basketball practice scene ...

Frank Speaker May 24th, 2011 | 8:40am

Bilfar above opines that perhaps a career military person did this . I also have an opinion of the career the person may be involved in . How about a worker in a professional Lawn company that looks after properties while residents are there or away for extended periods . The resident of Blandamer was in Florida for the colder season and the maintenance crew for that property would have known that . Very convienent to go across that property and place MH on the nearest neighbour property ,Anchorage . She could have been actually murdered in Lannigan Field and remouved as this person did not want her found there due to connections to that location . Could have been involved with a grass cutting contract there and or a hanger on at the basketball practice scene ...

Frank Speaker May 24th, 2011 | 8:40am

Bilfar above opines that perhaps a career military person did this . I also have an opinion of the career the person may be involved in . How about a worker in a professional Lawn company that looks after properties while residents are there or away for extended periods . The resident of Blandamer was in Florida for the colder season and the maintenance crew for that property would have known that . Very convienent to go across that property and place MH on the nearest neighbour property ,Anchorage . She could have been actually murdered in Lannigan Field and remouved as this person did not want her found there due to connections to that location . Could have been involved with a grass cutting contract there and or a hanger on at the basketball practice scene ...

minime June 2nd, 2011 | 4:14pm

Suz, they have no reason to fear being accused of murder...they were already interviewed by FBI. There is no need for them to focus on the tracks publicly. There are things not meant to be shared with the public for various reason. The intel that she was alive the next day comes from said interviewed. They are not stumped. I cannot speak for SJones, and no I did not see the show. Please forgive me as I know these questions were not directed to me, however, they were great questions to be asked.